Mount Data National Park at a Glance
About Mount Data National Park
Mount Data National Park is a protected area in the Cordillera region of northern Luzon that conserves Mount Data and surrounding montane forest. The mountain’s summit rises to roughly 2,310 meters and the park protects upland forest and watershed areas.
Short hiking trails, mossy and cloud forest zones, and viewpoints near the summit. A government rest house historically used for meetings sits within the park and is a common orientation point for visitors.
The landscape is volcanic in origin and supports montane flora and fauna distinct from the lowlands. The area has been managed as a protected area in the 20th century to conserve forest cover and water sources and to provide recreational access.
The park is located in the Cordillera Central of northern Luzon, Philippines, on the mountain divide north of the city of Baguio and near the boundary between Mountain Province and neighboring provinces.
- Watershed protection: Serves as an important watershed for northern Luzon and protects mossy forest patches that are rare at lower elevations.
- Peace accord site: Venue for the 1986 Mount Data Peace Accord between the national government and Cordillera representatives, making it notable in modern Philippine history.
What to See#
- Summit (about 2,310 m): The mountain summit at roughly 2,310 meters, the park’s highest point and focus for short hikes and viewpoints.
- Mount Data Hotel / rest house: A government-built rest facility that has hosted political and cultural meetings and serves as an orientation point for visitors.
- Montane and cloud forest: Areas of mossy montane forest and cloud forest that supply headwaters for rivers in the Cordillera Central.
Nearby Attractions to Mount Data National Park
Best Time to Visit Mount Data National Park
Mount Data National Park is most pleasant in the cool, dry months (November-February) when trails are less muddy and the pine forests show at their best.
Weather & Climate near Mount Data National Park
Mount Data National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 9°C to 22°C. Heavy rainfall (2981 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.1h |
| February | Very Good | 9° - 20° | 15° | 45 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.5h |
| March | Very Good | 11° - 22° | 16° | 84 mm | some cloud | 71% | 3.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 154 mm | some cloud | 70% | 3.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Good | 13° - 22° | 18° | 314 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 13° - 21° | 17° | 327 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.0h |
| July | Acceptable | 13° - 21° | 17° | 402 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| August | Acceptable | 13° - 20° | 17° | 554 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 13° - 20° | 16° | 424 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 283 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Good | 11° - 20° | 16° | 257 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.0h |
How to Get to Mount Data National Park
The park lies within Benguet province and is reachable via the Halsema Highway from Baguio (roughly 2-4 hours depending on traffic and exact trailhead). Local jeepneys and buses go to nearby towns; arrange guides and park permits through municipal offices or the park’s management in the nearest town.
Tips for Visiting Mount Data National Park
- Pair a visit with a night in Sagada or Baguio for acclimatization and local guides.
- Stop at Mount Data Hotel (if open) or local ranger stations to arrange permits and get recent trail reports.
- Bring warm layers-the summit and higher trails are often chilly, even in the dry season.
